Winter's End

by Barbara Pronin

“A page-turner with honest characters who capture your heart and soul.” –Faye Kellerman

Luring Nazi officers from smoky taverns to their deaths was not what Evi Strobel bargained for when she agreed to join the Dutch Resistance. But that is what she did until that fateful night she was saved from rape by a downed American Airman.

Nor did Zoe Visser expect to be picking pockets for Dutch ID cards for use by escaping Jews, much less leading frightened enemies of the Reich toward uncertain treks to the Belgian border - nor did Mila Brouwer, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy German collaborator, expect to be passing secrets learned at her father's dinner table to help Resistance stalwarts blow up Nazi trains and meeting halls.

But four years into German occupation, with the Dutch surviving on boiled tulip bulbs, and Hitler tightening control ahead of advancing Allies, that is what they did. Follow them as Winter's End traces a harrowing journey from the cobblestoned streets of Nazi-occupied Holland to an astonishing finale seventy years later and a world away.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, World War II

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Barbara Pronin, whose work has been praised by best-selling authors Mary Higgins Clark and Tony Hillerman, and Faye Kellerman, s the author of eight mysteries, including three as Barbara Nickolae, and a WW II novel, Winter's End, which won the 2025 Gold Medal for Best Adult Novel (IPPY Award) from the Independent Publishers Book Awards. A former actress, probation officer, journalist and substitute teacher, she is a fan of dark chocolate, the Dodgers, Greek sunsets and African elephants. When she isn't writing, which isn't often, she can probably be found struggling painfully at the piano.

Reviews

[annasbook nookk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Winter’s End is a historical fiction book set in the Netherlands in the 1940s.

This was based on three strong and brave women working for the resistance.

Young Evi lured Nazi officers into the dark, never knowing if she’d make it back and sometimes nearly not.

Brave Zoe risked everything to lead strangers through the darkness and fear to their safety.

And Mila, born into a rich family, betrayed them instead of acting like a good, dutiful daughter. She told secrets to the people her father wanted gone.

The book had a lot of emotional scenes, a few tears where shed.
An equal mix of action, suspense/angst and emotion.

I found the plot gripping and read it in a few days. The girls were so brave, and I loved their individual stories.

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Barbara Pronin excellently portrays the brave role of women in the Dutch Resistance during WW2. Considered by historians as one of the most effective resistance networks to have existed, the Dutch were adequately represented by all echelons of society with women playing an important part. In her five part novel, the role of women is depicted by three women in particular: Evi a teenager who with a little makeup is mistaken for a womanly seductress, Mila the rich family's daughter, whose father is in bed with the SS, and Zoe a twenty-four year old veterinarian with a compassionate heart for animals and subjugated humans. Other characters proof up and develop the main characters through their transactions: Lotte-Evi’s mother, Pieter at the other end of Mila’s wireless connection, and Daan who works for the resistance, among many others. The story flows from each of the women moving and flowing into the next with their incipient involvement in the resistance movement and their developing involvement using Lotte’s yellow barge to transport Jews to safety, to Mila training Evi to seduce SS officers to their death, and onto Zoe’s cousin housing Jews in a hospital. The action begins slowly but by mid story it’s intense with the bad treatment to Jews and the risks the women take to save them, to save a starving Dutch country, is remarkable. In the freezing winter of 1944 there is much bravery and remarkable resilience as the Nazi’s cruelty escalates in proportion to resistance. There were times in the story, especially when Mila goes behind enemy lines to sketch a map, and later on takes on a dangerous mission involving a theater, as well as the scenes of danger involving transporting a baby on the barge, when I held my breath. There are many more intense scenes that capture the essence of the devastating impact of the German occupation into a neutral country, disrupting innocent lives, and what the brave resistance women (and members) did for their country, for the citizens, family and friends. A well-researched, well-portrayed Dutch Resistance story beautifully crafted gives deserving homage to those who risked their lives to help many. A great read right down to the satisfying ending, when I was able to sit back and let my breath out.

[Lea O'Harra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Pronin’s Winter’s End is a compelling fictionalized portrait of the famine of 1944-45 in the Netherlands known in Dutch as Hongerwinter. Germany had invaded the country in 1940, and its cruel Occupation only ended five years later, when the army surrendered to Allied forces in May 1945.
Pronin fleshes out the historical context through a trio of female protagonists, all working secretly for the Dutch Resistance. Evi Strobel, sixteen, lives with her mother on a barge; Dr Zoe Visser, twenty-four-years old, is a veterinarian working at a pet clinic; Mila Brouwer is the wealthy, beautiful daughter of a man who, as the owner of a shipping company, is collaborating with the Germans.
The three women live in constant danger of arrest and torture and even death at the hands of the German soldiers who punish any obstreperousness of the native population by shrinking their food rations, with the locals forced to subsist, for example, on ground-up tulip bulbs. The heroism the women display is breathtaking as they participate in covert operations to disrupt the Nazis who have brutally commandeered their country. The action is fast paced; the emotions the characters display are convincing and moving.
This is an episode of history that deserves to be better known, and Pronin brings it vividly to life. Highly recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's End is set during the final months of World War II in the Netherlands, known as the Hunger Winter. The despair of the Dutch people is palpable. It's easy to imagine their anticipation of being freed of the Nazi occupation following D-Day but now it's six months later and life as only gotten worse, much worse. This is the story of three young women in the Dutch Resistance and their audacious acts of bravery. The pacing is brisk with unexpected twists and outcomes, but the characters make the story work. The random, frequent brutality of the Nazis against the Dutch civilians is stomach-churning, which makes the work of the Resistance members even more admirable. I became so involved in the story that I had forgotten all about the Prologue...until the very end when the author wrapped up loose ends, letting the reader know the outcomes for the characters. Whew! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

[Gin Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just another war story. This is much more. Author Pronin leads us on a deftly constructed, fast-paced, and dangerous journey through the lives of women living behind enemy lines in Nazi occupied Holland. She shows us that courage knows no gender, race, or nationality, and that evil doesn’t either. There are always those who rise to the task, risking everything they hold dear, to fight the good fight anywhere and any way they can. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down. Heart-warming, heart-breaking, heart-healing, Winter’s End reminds us that we must always resist evil, no matter what the cost. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah will want to take this journey! I highly recommend this book. - Gin Coleman, Author of Desert Brave

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel follows three women in Haarlem, where the Nazi presence was strong. Evi, a sixteen-year-old patriot, wanting to do more for her country, accepts the assignment of luring lecherous, drunken German officers into the forest to be killed. Zoe, a young veterinarian, repeatedly finds ways to hide (and feed) several Jewish families, Jewish physicians, and a German enemy of the Reich. Mila, the beautiful daughter of a collaborator, uses her position in the father’s home to learn information from high-ranking German officers to pass on to critical members of the Resistance, and, when necessary, perform dangerous missions herself. Along the way, all three women find love in unexpected places.

see complete review at Reading World

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful tale of three Dutch women whose courage and sacrifices helped keep their fellow citizens alive during one of WWII's darkest chapters. Each of the women stepped far out of their comfort zone to hinder the German war effort by hiding refugees, sabotaging military operations, stealing food, and targeting enemy soldiers.

Pronin's brilliant voice captures the gritty, everyday heroism that defined the Resistance. Much like Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Pronin's novel blends historical detail with deeply human portraits, showing how ordinary women rose to extraordinary challenges. I had a tough time putting it down--and read the second half in a day! Well done!

[Cynthiamcgroarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's End is wonderfully written and refreshing view of life in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation and the part the Dutch resistance played in undermining the regime. This world of uncertainty and secrets comes fully to life with rich period details, well-drawn, sympathetic characters, and a palpable sense of fear and suspicion. The three young women portrayed here come from different social classes but are united in their mission to undermine the Germans. I was rooting for them all the way. The past here feels authentic. Historical fiction at its best.

[Jann Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Pronin’s Winter’s End is a unique and captivating twist on World War II history, featuring strong women of the Dutch resistance up against the daunting Nazi occupiers. Winter's End brings a little-told angle to the many historical novels of the second World War with its setting in Holland, and the characters' proximity to constant danger. With characters who are likable, brave, and resilient, I recommend Winter's End for fans of female-centric historical fiction who are seeking out war stories not yet told.

[Bethdwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book... the way it is written propels the reader. It might be considered a simple story in some respects, but the subject matter and tension created by the writing really are the strength of the story. I wouldn't compare it to a book such as "Horse" by Geraldine Brooks... which was excellent. Maybe because Horse was a bit of a Saga... this is a shorter story. And I guess the author didn't need to build the story like Brooks did because of the vast amount of History regarding WW2. HMMM??

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fabulous novel that had me in tears at the end. It tells the story of three very brave Dutch women who fought with the Resistance in WWII Holland. Evi, a teenager, lured Nazi soldiers o their death so they could steal their identities and IDs; Zoe is a vet who works to hide Jewish refugees; And Mila is the daughter of a Dutch collaborator who spies on the Nazis who visit her father. Their bravery and passion to do the right thing in the face of danger was just riveting.

[Kathleen Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story that We Needed to Know

I love the story and how it unfolded. I was held rapt from the beginning to end. Thank you Barbara for telling the story of the brave women in the Dutch Resistance. I believe this kind of historical novel should be on every young adults reading list...lest we forget. I fear these brave stories will be lost if we are not intentional about preserving them.

[Liz Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot, so I would have easily given it 4 or maybe even 5 stars but the writing style was awful! All of the dialogue was like “I am sad” or “cousin, I do not know for certain”, and “It is I…” when identifying himself; it took the emotion out when they all sounded like robots! Additionally, there were typos and grammatical errors on almost every single page which was distracting. I read the kindle version, not sure if that made a difference or not.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of WWII historical fiction, hence why I bought this book. My ex in laws were Dutch, Oma being from Oosterbeek was a teenager during the war and I remember the stories she shared with me. When she passed we found stashes and stashes of food in the house. She always bought extras ‘just in case’.

My one complaint about this book is the spelling and grammar errors. I read it on my kindle and I found myself reporting errors in the last couple parts of this book.

[RCC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Black Rose Writing for the free copy. I thought this book was wonderful. It told three intertwining stories of three brave women that served in the resistance to save Jews during the Nazi occupation in Holland. The whole story was fascinating and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The characters were well written, but I do wish a few loose ends had been tied up, like finding out what happened to Daan.

[Judy Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary suspense

I have not read much about the Dutch resistance, and was delighted that the author was able to bring the Dutch character and culture to life. I was up all night finishing the book, and it is the kind of suspense that creates that tummy wiggling feeling. Evi was a fully drawn protagonist, and I very much wanted to watch the rest of her life unfold. Read this book.

[Joan Buell · Rating 4 out of 5]

WW II Resistance stories always inspire me. So many good people responded to the horror of Hitler by risking their lives to hide and rescue Jews. It is such a vivid sign of light overcoming darkness. This novel is set in the Netherlands during the last months of the war...the Hunger War. It focuses on several individuals, so gives insight into various ways people served, as well how they suffered. Good character development draws the reader in.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing war story

Winter's End follows three Dutch women as they come to know each other and contribute to the resistance. Each has her own battles to fight and the story builds on their abilities and strengths to come together to fight the Nazis and to save people from concentration camps and death. It is a story of what everyday people can do in time of war. I recommend this story to the reader.

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written novel. It was hard to put it down when I needed to. I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction. This is only the second time I've read about The Netherlands history. The characters are wonderful, brave women who do what has to be done to save Jews and political enemies of the Germans. I highly recommend.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories of Evi, Zoe and Mila made for a thrilling book that I enjoyed. Their stories were of three brave women that served in the resistance to save Jews during the Nazi occupation in Holland. I liked that Pronin used real women from the Nazi Resistance as inspiration for her story and I felt all the characters were well written.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another WWII page turner

The book began slowly but then pulled me in. The three brave women in this book represented the people of the Netherlands who stood up to Fascism. I would hope that I could be as brave as they were if needed. Thank goodness for the Dutch to English translator in the kindle app because it helped to understand the feelings of the characters.

[Laura Hostnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but poor proofreading.

I enjoyed the story but tripped over the many grammatical errors throughout the book. I would have rated it higher but the story was frequently interrupted by the errors.

[michael f. vecchione · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing but ultimately heartwarming tale set in the most horrific time in world history. Barbara’s characters are smart, savvy and brave. I fell in love with them on page 1. I highly recommend this book!
-Michael Vecchione

[John J. Lomicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dutch Resistance ,ordinary citizens

So many people were able to subtly thwart the German war machine. A student, a socialite,and a veterinary doctor...all brave women striving to free their beloved country.

[Linda Reck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about the Dutch resistance before. And I found it interesting that in 1944 when food was very scarce, they ate tulip bulbs. As a whole though, I thought that the ending was almost too pat. It was pretty much a happily ever after story.

[Susan Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. A daring, courageous and hearbreaking story of the men and women risking their lives with the Resistance movement in the Netherlands. Mila, Zoe and Evi , the main characters I the story wre so different but so brave .

[Karen Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winters Review

Loved this book. As a reader of many books based upon the years of WW2, I especially enjoyed this book. I had not read many based upon the plight of the people in the Netherlands. Loved the characters and the strong women portrayed.

[Lovina Finders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's End inspires

Winter's End was a great read. I haven't read WW II lit in some time. I found the story both heart breaking and inspiring. I will read more of Ms. P robin's work

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical fiction

[Melanie Sears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, interesting characters but a lot of typos.